Prevention News
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Winds, prolonged drought, and high temperatures have combined to make Arizona's forests and desert areas EXTREMELY dry. Long term drought, changing fuel conditions and the resulting unpredictable fire behavior, combined with increased human activity suggest that this has the potential to be a busy fire year. Conditions change; for your safety, stay informed on current and predicted conditions in your community, and when you are enjoying the outdoors.
THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!
It only takes one spark on dry grass, leaves, branches or pine needles to start a wildfire. Even live trees and brush are dry enough to easily ignite.
Wildfires impact recreation areas and may destroy homes and cabins, and threaten lives.
Chainsaws, dragging trailer safety chains, carelesssly tossed cigarettes, fireworks, abandoned campfires, debris buring around homes and property, and discharge of firearms are all known causes of wildfire.
Warn others of potential dangers and behaviors that may start wildfires.
REPORT ALL WILDFIRES TO 911
We offer the following tips to help ensure that unwanted person caused wildfires are kept to a minimum:
CAMPING AND PICNICKINGKnow BEFORE You Go!
In Arizona, many areas due to dry conditions will enter into fire restrictions in late April or May and typically rescind those seasonal restrictions in September or October. This is seasonally variable. Fire restrictions vary, but most mean that no open fires are allowed except in established campgrounds with fire grills or pits. Some areas have prohibited all fires except gas or propane camp stoves, some restrict all types of flame.
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VEHICLESGrass burns quickly and dry, windy conditions can turn into a wall of flames in minutes. Pausing or parking a car or truck in tall grass or over shrubs can start fires. This not only may damage your vehicle but may also start a quickly moving fire. Do not park where vegetation is touching the underside of your vehicle. Also be sure that all vehicles and tires are in excellent working order; safety chains or other trailer equipment must not drag or dangle; these can get hot or create sparks causing not just one but multiple wildfires. Look behind you as your driving to make sure all is well. It's always a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher. ADOT Video: One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire: Vehicle Safety Fire Prevention Tips |
EQUIPMENT USESparks from mowers, chainsaws, welding torches, and other equipment can cause wildfires.
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SMOKINGA burning cigarette is a small fire ready to become a larger one.
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FIREWORKSThe use of fireworks, explosives, and exploding targets is not permitted on public lands throughout the entire state.
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TARGET SHOOTINGDuring dry and hot weather conditions the use of certain ammunition and targets could ignite a wildfire. Target shooters and hunters, as well as other outdoor enthusiasts, need to consider the potential consequences of their activities in fire-prone environments.Here are some tips and reminders:
Check for Fire Restrictions. Fire restrictions vary, some areas may restrict target shooting outside of participating in a lawful hunt. In Arizona, many areas will initiate fire restrictions due to extremely dry conditions, typically in late April or May and typically rescind those seasonal restrictions in September or October. This is seasonally variable. |
HOMES AND BUILDINGSTo a wildfire, your house or cabin, if built of flammable materials, is only fuel. Wildfires do not discriminate between trees and homes--if it's flammable it will burn. You can take steps to protect your home from a wildfire's flames. These simple steps to create defensible space, an area around your building that discourages fire from coming too near, will give your home a fighting chance, not IF but WHEN wildfires occur. Slope, vegetation types, planting design, location of outbuildings all affect a wildfire's ability to reach your home. Defensible space can be created in many ways. For example you can:
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KIDS CAN HELP PREVENT WILDFIRES
Learn More and Take the Pledge to Prevent Wildfires, Visit :
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